Telecommunications company urged to restore access to newspaper website

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(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has written to Etisalat, a telecommunications services provider based in the United Arab Emirates, voicing concern about the spyware that it has allegedly installed on Blackberry phones connected to its network in the UAE.

"We urge you to give a public explanation in response to these spyware allegations and to guarantee respect for privacy," Reporters Without Borders said in its 27 July 2009 letter. "These allegations could seriously damage your company's image."

The letter also urged Etisalat to restore access to the website of the daily newspaper "Yediot Aharonot," which has been blocked for Etisalat clients for several weeks.

The letter pointed out that the UAE has been on the Reporters Without Borders list of "countries under surveillance" since 2008 because of threats to online free expression.

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